Gov’t hints of meeting TUC’s deadline

Nii Armah Ashitey, Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, has assured government will work around the clock to meet the May 1 deadline set by organised labour.
He told Joy News he is very optimistic the tripartite committee, which is still in negotiation will arrive at an acceptable figure by Thursday.
The Trades Union Congress, Ghana Medical Association, Industrial and Commercial Workers Union and Ghana Federation of Labour have declared their resolve to secure a 20 per cent increase in the minimum wage and base pay by Thursday.
Mr. Ashitey said on Monday that negotiation has "so far been going on well" and organised labour has not shown any sign of "pulling out".
"We are not in deadlock, negotiation has never been stalled; for me I think it is just a matter of time that we will come to some conclusion," he said.
He is certain that with goodwill, "It is very possible we will get something out before Thursday. I am an optimist, and I believe that everything is possible."
The Minister stated that all parties involved are negotiating "in good faith", stressing that government will surely negotiate for a lower rate.
He noted that government has backed down on its earlier request for a freeze in public sector pay increase, after labour made a case for a review citing rising cost of living.
He said government has instituted a "living allowance" to help cushion public sector workers against high cost of living.
This, Mr. Ashitey said, has been accepted by organised labour but what is being decided on now is the level of the increase.
"The important thing is to ensure that by 1st of May, at least we should have arrived at some conclusions which should be mutually acceptable," he emphasized.Source: myjoyonline.com« Previous | Next »View Comments